basysPrint will unveil its next generation of 4-up and 8-up Computer-to-Plate (CtP) UV platesetters for the digital exposure of UV-sensitive offset printing plates, at drupa 2012, taking place in Düsseldorf, Germany from May 3-16, 2012. Incorporating state-of-the-art optical modules, the new UV-Setter Series 460x and Series 860x deliver unsurpassed exposure quality with resolutions of up to 2400dpi. The new platforms also combine the latest industrial components to offer a range of unique features delivering new levels of flexibility as well as significant improvements in both productivity and profitability.

Improved quality, flexibility and productivity

The new basysPrint UV-Setter Series 460x and Series 860x offer customers the choice of exposure resolutions of 1500dpi or 2400dpi. The unique flatbed design enables digital imaging of a wide variety of plate sizes - from formats as small as 200mm x 200mm (7.8 inches x 7.8 inches) up to a maximum of 680mm x 830mm (26 inches x 32 inches) with the 460x, and 940mm x 1150mm (27 inches x 45 inches) with the 860x. The unique dual plate loading option also offers the flexibility of loading and imaging two plates at the same time. This allows the systems to image up to 145 plates per hour (with a plate size of 400 x 550 mm / 15.7 inches x 21.6 inches) improving productivity significantly.

Modularity offers flexibility to grow

The modularity of the new generation of UV platesetters ensures a customer's investment is always secured. Even if customers start out with the basic manual version, they can easily upgrade to either a semi-automatic or fully-automatic model as the demands of their business change. The new models also offer the possibility of manual operation on the fully automated versions.

Real-time optical compensation ensures consistency of quality

Both the 460x and 860x also come equipped with the unique Dynamic Autofocus system which copes seamlessly with plate undulation - even for substrate thicknesses up to 10mm. This guarantees perfect focus depth across the total surface of the plate ensuring consistent exposure quality. With the new remote monitoring systems, operators can now also manage and control their UV-Setters remotely, even by using smartphone and tablet-type devices.

Generate additional revenue streams

In addition to offering increased flexibility, the new series also offer customers the opportunity to generate additional revenue streams.

"The unique flatbed design allows for a range of additional applications," says Christophe Lievens, Director of Sales and Marketing, "As well as imaging UV plates for offset printing, the UV platesetters can be used to image coating plates for spot varnish printing, image photoengraving magnesium or copper plates of thicknesses up to 10 mm for hot-foil stamping or embossing, image screen meshes for all kinds of screen printing applications and even image dies for flexible die-cutting. This offers the opportunity to generate additional revenue - all from one and the same engine."

UV-plate technology: offering a host of benefits

As with all basysPrint UV-Setters, both the 460x and 860x Series offer all of the standard benefits of UV-plate technology. These include a stable, easy-to-maintain process with wide processing tolerances ensuring the consistency of exposure quality. The chemistry used in the processor has an extremely long lifetime - in some cases more than three times longer compared to digital plates. UV plates are known for their high run-length stability, even without baking. The chemistry used to process UV plates is ecologically friendly as it is a low alkali, soap-like solution which can be poured down the drain, on top of that the chemistry consumption can be as low as 20 to 50 ml/m².

All of basysPrint's UV-Setters have been developed respecting the RoHS standards so there is no use of heavy metals, silicones or other hazardous components.

Using the very best of industrial components and keeping energy efficiency in mind basysPrint UV-Setters are unique when it comes down to energy consumption, only 2.3 kWh compared to 8 kWh, and more, for thermal systems.

Freedom to choose plate type

Since the UV-Setters operate in the 405 nanometers wavelength range, operators are free to choose which UV-sensitive offset printing plates they wish to use. Over 60 plates from over 15 suppliers have already been tested and approved.

Come and learn more about the new generation of UV platesetters at drupa 2012

Customers visiting the basysPrint booth at drupa 2012 will have the opportunity to learn more about the 460x and 860x Series. basysPrint will exhibit in Hall 8A Booth B44.